Taking To The SkiesBy Charlene Koh

The RSAF stands ready
to defend Singapore’s air
space from threats and
to protect the nation’s
interests. Apart from its
24/7 Air Defence role,
the RSAF prides itself
on the value it brings in
peacetime such as the
numerous Humanitarian
Assistance and Disaster
Relief operations it had
undertaken.

Anation’s air space is vital to her sovereignty and security. The Republic of
Singapore Air Force (RSAF) maintains cutting-edge technology to ensure that it
will always be ready to tackle any unforeseen threats.

The RSAF never sleeps. As an operationally-ready air force that stands ready round
the clock, the RSAF is always prepared to respond swiftly and act decisively. Its multi-layered
air defence shield comprises state-of-the-art military aircraft, ground-based air
defence systems and surveillance radars that support a full spectrum of missions.

But the RSAF recognises that its advanced systems and technology have to be
complemented by the people who operate and maintain them. As a result, the RSAF
devotes considerable resources to attracting, training and retaining capable individuals
who are committed to keep Singapore safe.

We speak to COL Gaurav Keerthi and CPT Sim Bao Chen to find out how the RSAF
has helped them become the best that they can be.

Guardians of the sky

COL Keerthi has been with the RSAF for 17 years. Currently serving as Head of Air
Plans, COL Keerthi shares, “The Air Plans Department (APD) helps define the future of
the Air Force, in terms of the way we fight and the systems we fight with. We are also
responsible for resource management. We ensure that the RSAF pursues its capability
development plans in a prudent manner when it comes to manpower requirements and
cost.”

COL Gaurav KeerthiSAF Overseas Scholar

Designation:
Head Air Plans, RSAF

Studied:
Bachelor of Arts, Stanford University, US

Master of Public Administration,
Harvard University, US

"Helicopter pilots must have the courage to push operational boundaries and achieve mission success safely. The RSAF’s strong pilot training framework will guide a young pilot along this challenging journey."

This is no easy task as the APD has to look far ahead to anticipate challenges and
devise solutions so that Singapore can continue to maintain its deterrent edge. COL
Keerthi adds, “This is especially challenging in our volatile world. I am thankful the
department is staffed by motivated and dedicated people who constantly strive to equip
the RSAF with the most efficient and effective tools to achieve our mission.”

As for CPT Sim, he is currently the Platoon Commander of a Ground-based Air Defence
(GBAD) Unit that operates the RBS-70 Short-Range Air Defence Missile System. He shares, “I lead a platoon of officers, specialists
and airmen to help safeguard Singapore’s
sovereign air space. Together with my platoon
command team, I train these airmen after they
graduate from the Basic Military Training (BMT)
and see them through to become Air Defence
Weapon Operators capable of performing 24/7
operational duties.”

“The unit’s operational requirements can
become very stressful, and members of my
platoon are no strangers to fatigue. However,
it’s extremely satisfying to be appreciated by
the public for our work, as experienced during
the RBS-70 static display at the [email protected]
Heartlands exhibition.”

Opportunities to soar

Although COL Keerthi is with the APD now,
he is actually a helicopter pilot by vocation. His
current stint with the APD is one of his many
staff appointments, testament to the varied
opportunities available to RSAF servicemen and
women.

He tells us, “I really enjoy being a CH-47
Chinook helicopter pilot. I completed my
operational conversion just when the 2004
Boxing Day tsunami struck. As a new pilot,
the squadron was hesitant to include me. I
requested to deploy with the unit to help in any
way I could.”

“I spent the first few days helping to coordinate
administration on the ground. However, after
we discovered the extent of the devastation,
the squadron leadership decided to let me fly
operational missions under supervision to help
share the workload. While it was nerve-wracking
to view such destruction from above, I took
heart knowing that I was helping to bring vital
supplies to survivors and evacuate the injured.”

These experiences have stayed with COL
Keerthi ever since, and they continue to inspire
him to be grateful for what he has and to give
back to the less fortunate. He adds, “Helicopter
pilots must have the courage to push
operational boundaries and achieve mission
success safely. The RSAF’s strong pilot training
framework will guide a young pilot along this
challenging journey.”

CPT Sim is looking forward to the coming
years, which he says will be an exciting period
for GBAD. He shares, “We’ll be bringing in
and operationalising more technologically
advanced weapons such as the SPYDER and
Aster-30 missile systems. Our role will also
evolve together with operations concepts and
we can expect to play an even greater role in air
campaigns.”

“I am excited to be part of this ongoing force
renewal to enhance our 3rd Generation RSAF
networked air defence capabilities and hope to
continue to be involved in the RSAF’s evolution
in the years ahead!”

The path less travelled

As an SAF Overseas Scholar who has also
served as an assessor in the scholarship
application process, COL Keerthi advises, “This
is not an ordinary job and we are not seeking
ordinary candidates. We want people who are
willing to push themselves, work for a purpose,
and pursue their passion.”

“If you are willing to take the path less
travelled, to live a life filled with purpose,
challenge, and excitement – then the RSAF is
for you too. My own scholarship journey has
taken me to Stanford and Harvard, and through
a multi-faceted career that has given me (and
allowed me to give back) more than I could ever
ask for!”

For CPT Sim, the SAF Merit Scholar had
not initially expected to pursue a military
career. However, his experience in the MINDEF
Internship Programme, along with BMT and
Officer Cadet School, showed him that a
deskbound job was not for him. He recalls, “The
wide variety of work kept me engaged and alert,
and I even got to work at the forefront of various
technologies only available in the military!”

He concludes, “I would advise prospective
scholars to talk to their seniors to understand
more about the scholarship and the career it
entails. The duties of a military leader are not
easy, and one must be prepared to work hard
in uncertain and fluid environments. But if you
have the passion to serve and demonstrate
that you have what it takes, the RSAF would be
delighted to have you on board!”